Do Olympic Swimmers Pee in the Pool? The Surprising Truth
Forget the romanticized image of Paris’ Seine River; it turns out that Olympic swimming pools might be dealing with a less glamorous issue—human liquid waste. Recent revelations have shed light on a question that has intrigued many: Do Olympic swimmers urinate in the pool?
The Truth About Pool Peeing
According to American two-time gold medalist Lilly King, the answer is a resounding yes. King shared candid details with The Wall Street Journal, revealing, “I’ve probably peed in every single pool I’ve swum in. That’s just how it goes.”
Other Olympians have supported King’s admissions. Jake Mitchell, who competed for Team USA in Tokyo, explained, “I always have to pee because I’m so hydrated.” He noted that swimmers often put on their swimsuits at least 20 minutes before a race, which can increase the likelihood of needing to urinate in the pool.
Is It Safe to Pee in the Pool?
While peeing in the pool may be common among swimmers, it’s not advisable. Pools are treated with chlorine and other chemicals designed to manage human waste and other debris. Chlorine helps kill algae and protects swimmers from harmful pathogens and illnesses. According to CNBC, a well-maintained pool typically has chlorine levels ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million.
However, excessive chlorine can lead to eye and skin irritation, while insufficient chlorine levels can expose swimmers to unhealthy compounds, including those from human urine. This highlights the importance of regular chlorine level monitoring to ensure pool safety and cleanliness.
In summary, while Olympic swimmers may admit to urinating in the pool, it’s not a practice to endorse. Proper pool maintenance and adherence to hygiene standards are crucial to keeping swimming environments safe and enjoyable.
